§ Mr. WADDINGTONasked the Secretary of State for War whether he can now give permission for the removal of the remains of soldiers buried in France to this country when desired by the relatives of such soldiers, and when the removal will be carried out free of expense to the Imperial War Graves Commission; in reconsidering this matter will he have regard to the heavy recurring expense which relatives incur in journeys to France; and is he aware that recent visits to certain war cemeteries in France have caused distress to relatives, who have found considerable deterioration in the upkeep of the cemeteries?
§ Sir R. SANDERSIn view of the large number of applications of this character which were received, the Imperial War Graves Commission some time ago gave the matter careful and sympathetic consideration, but came to the conclusion that the removal of remains of soldiers from their resting places in the war theatres was opposed to the policy of equality of treatment of the fallen which has been unanimously adopted, and which has received such strong support from the public. For this reason, and in view also of the practical difficulties involved in carrying out such removals, especially from the more distant theatres, the Commission, though with natural reluctance, decided that all such applications must be refused. With regard to the last part of the question, I shall be glad to draw the attention of the Commission to any individual cases of deterio-590W ration of which I am given particulars. The general condition of the cemeteries is, I am assured, better than it has been at any time since the Commission assumed control.